Ellis A. Rice

Ellis Allen Rice, 68, of Martville, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Born in Syracuse, he was a son to the late Merton and Betsy (Shepard) Rice and attended Mexico Schools. Ellis served in the US Navy during Vietnam before getting married and settling in Fulton. He worked as a truck driver for over 40 years, most recently with Heartland Express. Ellis was a big football fan and enjoyed going to the races. He loved tinkering on cars and would end up fixing it until it was broken. Ellis also loved the holidays and family gatherings; he would always want to grill even though he’d end up burning it. He was predeceased by his sister, Sally Ringelberg and son, Jonathan Wiltsie.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Vanessa Rice; two children, William (Jill) Rice, and Wendy (Matthew) Morrison; four grandchildren, Tyler Rice, Mackenzie (Erick) Cappelletti, Hannah Morrison and Dakota Morrison; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 1-3 pm on Saturday, March 29th at Foster Funeral Home, 837 Cayuga Street, Hannibal, with a service to immediately follow at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fair Haven Fire Department, 14447 Fair Haven Rd, Sterling, NY 13156.